In this edition of Pharmaceutical & Cosmetic Review, we gain insight from leading suppliers of ingredients and raw materials, both locally and on an international level, to find out more on how they are developing their business in line with the growing needs of consumers.

As skin care markets soar, the global body care sector is struggling to survive. South African manufacturers, however, have the potential to grow local sales by paying closer attention to added benefits and increased functionality.

There truly is an evolving relationship between fragrances and fashion, and what is seen on the runway often inspires the most bespoke formulations, which are not only award winning but also highly sought after.

As one of the top three cosmetics brands in South Africa, L'Oreal's approach to business is unique. Its take on ethnicity is distinctive, making the company successful in positioning cosmetics to meet the needs of local consumers.

Huge expenses, lengthy timelines, and red tape are among the challenges facing pharmaceutical companies' ability to push innovation. Leading companies offer insight into exactly how R&D is affected, both internationally and locally.

Beauty and personal care product launches targeted at men have increased by 70 per cent over the past six years. The perception in South Africa is changing as the male grooming movement is in full swing.

Tabletting Science is part of I Holland's core service offering. The company is currently tackling 'sticking', a major tablet production issue, through its work with the University of Nottingham's School of Pharmacy and experts from its Laboratory of Biophysics and Surface Analysis, UK, on the tabletting science anti-stick research (TSAR) project.

Subsequent to exhibiting at an international export trade show in 2012, Karen Ellithorne, the mastermind behind the Milk Solutions brand realised a packaging redesign was necessary to compete on an international level.

A number of South Africans braved the weak Rand and seemingly insipid market conditions to head to Madrid in Spain for the 28th FEA International Aerosol Congress and its associated exhibition, which is now in its 17th year. Nick Tselentis, executive director of the Aerosol Manufacturers' Association of South Africa (AMA) was there.